Group Links Ayade To Alleged Bribery Scandal To Influence C’River North Senate Election Petition Tribunal
A group, ‘Save Nigeria Now group’ has petitioned the President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria alleging that Governor Ben Ayade is trying to influence the judgement of the members of Election Petition Tribunal.
The group’s allegation was expressed in a letter dated 4th June, 2021 titled “PETITION AGAINST CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATE ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL IN CALABAR N50 MILLION BRIBERY, signed by one Etim Mfon as the Chairman, and Ugan Ayim, as Secretary.
The group claimed that it is privy to the information that the Special Assistant to Governor Ayade on Due Process, barrister Alphonsus Ogar was allegedly given N50 million by the Governor.
According to the letter, Save Nigeria Now Group alleged that the bribery move is to persuade members of the tribunal to ensure that the judgment expire.
The group while expressing trust in members of tribunal expresses fear of arm twisting and luring them with money.
The group which prides itself as young persons who are determined to Save Nigeria from the hands of corrupt people, including the judiciary, revealed that the verdict of the tribunal expires on 22nd June, 2021, calling for the right thing to be done so as to erase animosity that may arise therefrom.
Meanwhile the group also copied the letter to the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, Abuja.
The statement reads:
THE PRESIDENT
COURT OF APPEAL OF NIGERIA
ABUJA
Dear Sir,
PETITION AGAINST CROSS RIVER NORTH SENATOR ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL IN CALABAR N50 MILLION BRIBERY
We are a group of Nigerians who are young and determined to save Nigeria from the hands of all corrupt people including the Judiciary now that is almost dead with corruption.
The tribunal in Calabar has only one case before it and is supposed to expire on the 22nd June, 2021
We have facts now that the Special Assistant to Governor Ayade on due Process, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar was given N50 million by Ayade to give the Tribunal members to make sure that the Judgment be allowed to expire since the Tribunal said they cannot write a wrong Judgment. Governor Ayade in a recorded telephone conversation confirmed that N50 million. The Plan is to allow the case to expire so that after 22nd June, 2021, they will be allowed to remain in the senate.
Sir, our appeal to you is to order THE TRIBUNAL TO READ THEIR JUDGMENT IMMEDIATELY AND NOT ALLOW IT TO EXPIRE.
Sir, save Nigeria from Corruption.
Meanwhile, recall that the present Senator representing Cross River North in the Senate, Dr Stephen Odey was a product of stirred waters with factional PDP candidate laying claims as the right candidate of the party.
Meanwhile, Joe Agih stood emerged APC candidate though not without internal tackles and controversies.
Since December 5, 2020 Senatorial election, it has been from one legal and political battle to another, even as Gov. Ben Ayade now APC Governor has been accused variously over his personal ambition to use the present serving Senator as representative.
Whatever happens, whatever that has a beginning must have an end.
